Transmission Pole Fire Protection

What & Why

A Chelan County PUD contractor, Mi-Tech, is performing routine maintenance and fire prevention along transmission (high-voltage) and distribution (low-voltage) lines around the county. Each wood pole in the PUD’s electrical system is inspected on a 10-year cycle. This program helps extend the life of the poles, protects the electrical system from fires, and maintains reliable service.

Photo of fire retardant paint on PUD wood poles

Where

  • Work will take place along the transmission lines between north Wenatchee west to Leavenworth
    and between Chelan Falls along the north side of Lake Chelan to Manson.
  • Work will take place along distribution lines in Wenatchee and Cashmere.

When & What to Expect

  • Work is scheduled to begin in April and continue through September.
  • You may see the contractor crew working around poles on or near your property.
  • Working hours are generally Mon.–Thurs., 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • For pole inspection, crews will dig approximately 18 inches around each pole, drill holes into the pole, inspect the pole, then replace the dirt.
  • Where fire prevention is needed, crews will dig approximately 6 inches around each pole, apply fire-retardant paint about 6 feet up each pole, then replace the dirt.
  • Crews will also clear combustible materials from around the base of poles as needed.
  • Where necessary, poles will be replaced by PUD crews at a later date.

Questions?

For questions about this work, please email customeroutreach@chelanpud.org.